Inspiration

Blogster Leila Alsulaiman from I Really Need My Space recounts

I really need my space is the name, travel is the game. Hi! My name is Leila, more suffering from wander lost than wander lust, in love with all things beautiful and slightly obsessed with spicy food. I was looking for a platform to share my photographs and travel tips with friends. And hey presto, my travel blog was born. Far be it from me to claim that I reinvented the wheel with my blog, all I want to do is share the things I like. From something new on my own street, playing tourist in my own country, to 24 hours on a plane to discover new places: whatever is going.

Leila shares her tips and favourite spots in her 'ultimate Knokke-Heist travel guide':

Tell me, is there anyone who doesn’t like being near the sea? I, for one, am addicted, and head for Knokke-Heist any time I get a chance. One thing I can promise you: this great little coastal town has plenty to offer. Hence this Knokke travel guide, full of tips on where to eat, go for a drink, shop, sleep and things to do. Hurray!

TO EAT

Clouds of Fashion Pop-up store

The perfect pit stop during a shopping trip. Their avocado toast comes highly recommended and, be honest, would you pass up an opportunity to eat avocados with one eye on the trendiest garments?

Glacier de la Poste

Since you’re at the seaside, you wouldn’t expect anything less than coming across one ice-cream parlour after the other. But Glacier de la Poste tops them all. Their ice cream is really creamy and their range of flavours is amazing. Treat yourself to some extra cream. Go for it. You won’t regret it, I promise.

La Guera

It took a lot of soul-searching to include this restaurant in my guide as I absolutely love it and would much rather keep it to myself. But fair is fair: meet La Guera. Stunningly decorated, this restaurant serves food that is finger-lickingly good. Chef Glenn is a real magician when it comes to food. One of my favourite restaurants in Knokke by a mile!

Bonjour

TO DRINK

The Pharmacy

Possibly one of the coolest venues in the stunning Knokke. This cocktail bar is run by a bad-ass family that has staked its reputation on flavour. Don’t expect your traditional cocktails here but be prepared to be surprised.

TO SHOP

L'AmuZette

Shop til you drop...

Oh yes: Knokke is a shoppers’ paradise! Forget those high-street stores and say hello to really beautiful boutiques and shops stocked with wonderful garments no one else has. There are umpteen shops in the wonderful Knokke, but the following six are my favourites:

1. Mer d'Ocre

Saint-Tropez meets Ibiza. When I walked into this lovely shop which opened its door some 20 years ago I actually had to stop myself from shouting ‘I’LL HAVE THE LOT’. Though the flowy dresses take up most of the space in the shop, this is also the ideal place if you’re looking for boho-inspired shoes and sandals, hats and jewellery. The rings by Hypnochic are quite simply to die for.

2. Lewis & Molly

A treat for the hipsters among us. From rainbow jumpers to (fake) furry loafers. But Lewis & Molly are especially known for their glitter dresses, jumpers and shirts. And rightfully so, because who doesn’t love a bit of glitter?

6. Essentiel

If you’re looking for something fancy, look no further because Essentiel has exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t expect to find the classics or boring stuff in this boutique. Bright neon colours, glitter, stunning fabrics and deadly graphics are the benchmark here.